Flexible wearable computer

ABSTRACT

A flexible wearable computer in the form of a belt comprising in combination, elements for computing comprising a microprocessor module, a RAM-I/O module, a plurality of mass memory modules, a power supply module, and a plurality of bus termination modules operationally associated with a plurality of flexible signal relaying means. The computing elements are mechanically associated with a flexible non-stretchable member, and a protective covering means. The flexible non-stretchable wearable member is secured around various parts of the body. An input and output device is connected to the flexible wearable computer by the I/O bus attached to the output and input ports.

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/192,636 filed Feb. 7,1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,651, which in turn is aContinuation-In-Part of 07/884,117, filed May 15, 1992, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,295,398.

BACKGROUND--FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of portable computers, andmore specifically to a flexible, wearable computer that can be worn onthe body and repeatedly bent in an infinite number of planes withoutfailure of operation.

BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Definitions

A computer system is defined as comprising three basic components: aninput device, an output device, and a computer. A computer is defined ascomprising memory, a processor, and associated support circuitry andcomponents. Memory comprises main memory which is volatile, and massstorage memory which is usually nonvolatile. A portable computer systemis one that the user can easily carry around. Throughout this text theauthor will refer to a computer to mean only and specifically the mainand secondary storage memory, the processor, and a power supply. Theauthor will also use volume to characterize both the size and the massof computers. This is because the overall density of silicon-basedcomputers is asymptotic to a constant. Therefore, volume willnecessarily indicate a maximum weight.

Integration

Small and therefore portable computers have resulted from theintersection of innovations and inventions across a wide variety ofdomains and fields including the arts of silicon manipulation, andmechanical and electrical design, and component integration. Integrationis the process of decreasing the size of and the space betweenelectrical elements, and it has been the pathway to power reduction andspeed But size reduction accrued benefits independent of processingpower. Computers that once required buildings to house and small powerplants to run can now be comfortably lifted with one hand. Sinceintegration and therefore miniaturization has brought nearly all of theadvances in service levels to date, it is the major force in thecreation of the prior art in portable computing and the direction offuture advancement for computer construction in general.

There has been tremendous innovation and invention using integration asa means of making computers portable. Computers are available that aresmall enough to be lifted by one finger. The result has been explosivedemand for portable computing devices. Dataquest predicts that by 1994sales of portable computing devices will be well over $13 billion (Byte,volume 16, number I1, p.194).

"Picocomputers" are the state of the art of integration as a means ofcreating portable computers (New York Times, Mar. 23, 1992). Inventorssuch as M. E. Jones, Jr. have developed a single chip that contain allof the elements needed for a computer. This has allowed creation ofcomputer systems that can fit in the breast pocket of a man's jacket andrun for 100 hours on a conventional flashlight battery. The majorlimitations of these computer systems is that they have very smallamounts of memory greatly limiting the usefulness of the device fortasks to which most computer users are accustomed. They also have verysmall input and output devices which are slow and inconvenient to use.

Useful Portables

Other innovations include computers with increased processing abilitiesthat must be carried with one hand. These rigid rectilinear-shapeddevices fall into the classes lap-top, palm-top or hand-held computersand increase the processing and memory capacity of the picocomputer byincluding the required processors and memory power in a largerenclosure. For the episodic portable computer user that spends littletime actually carrying these devices, these rigid rectilinear devicesprovide high levels of service rivaling desk-top micro andminicomputers. For the intensive user that processes large amounts ofdata and must also carry the computer for long periods time, thesedevices have several disadvantages.

First, research has shown that people carrying these computers for longperiods of time are prone to flexi carpi ulnaris tendoniris which can bepainful and debilitating. This affliction is due to prolonged andsimultaneous clenching of the fingers and flexing of the wrist, anaction unavoidable when carrying these devices.

Second, for intensive data acquisition applications, size once again isa constraint. The amount of secondary memory required for implementationmakes this option impractical for portable computers in rigidrectilinear packaging. On-board memory requirements have beensidestepped by including wireless data links to a host computer fordown-loading data. However, these options are very costly, up to thecost of the computer itself, and increase the volume of the devices byas much as a factor of two. Furthermore, wireless communication ispresently a very slow data transfer process.

Third, field service research for Rockwell International hasdemonstrated that user compliance of rigid rectilinear hand-carried andhand-held computers is low, and gets lower as the size of the deviceincreases. Field service personnel expressed considerable displeasurewith having to lug a "brick" around during the execution of their task.Most notably it restricted the use of their hands by virtue of one, orboth being used to carry the computer.

Wearable Portables

There has been innovation and invention to harness rigid rectilinearcomputers on various parts of the body. Reddy Information Systems Inc.has produced a computer called Red FIG. 1 that has a head mounted outputdevice (A) from Reflection Technologies called the Private Eye, and abelt-mounted rigid rectilinear-packaged computer and input device (B)secured by a belt harness (C) (New York Times, Mar. 29, 1992). InfogripInc. and Select Tech Inc have combined technologies to produce the HipPc in a similar configuration.

There are two main disadvantages to this approach. First, harnessing arigid rectilinear-packaged computer anywhere on the body creates anuneven load on the spine. Prolonged wearing of such devices createsstrain in the supporting muscles opposite the place where the computeris harnessed. Second, these configurations do not allow the human bodyto comfortably contact a firm surface. The rigid rectilinear computer ona harness or belt is literally a lump on the surface of the body.Lastly, rigid rectilinear designs are inherently limited inexpandability. To increase processing power, hardware size must beincreased. There is a volume limit beyond which the computer is nolonger portable.

There has been innovation and invention to make computers morecomfortable to wear. Hideji Takemasa of NEC Corp has created a varietyof rigid curvilinear-packaged computer models that conform to variousparts of the body FIG. 2 (Fortune, Jan. 13, 1992). These devices includea processor and CD-ROM reader (D), and a fold out input/output device(E,F). Although aesthetically more appealing than the rigid rectilinearlumps of the Red and Hip PC models, the NEC models nonetheless sufferthe same disadvantages. The NEC curvilinear designs are rigid anddynamically nonconforming and subject the spine to uneven loading. Theyalso do not allow comfortable contact of the human body with firmsurfaces. Furthermore, these rigid, curvilinear designs must be made inmany sizes since it is technically impossible to make one of thesedesigns fit all human morphologies. They are also inherently limited inexpandability just as the rigid rectilinear designs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention exemplifies a new and unobvious art of a flexiblewearable computer. Briefly and generally, the flexible wearable computercomprises a microprocessor, memory, an input/output controller, and apower supply operably associated with one another through a flexiblesignal relaying means. The assembly is supported by a tensile loadbearing means and protected by a compressive load bearing means. Themicroprocessor, memory, input/output controller, and power supply aremechanically associated in a module assembly such that the flexiblewearable computer can bend in an infinite number of planes withoutfailure of operation.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The most important advantage of the flexible wearable computer is thatit will always provide greater utility than rigid designs for thoseusers that must carry their computer around while processing largeamounts of data, regardless of the state of the art of integration andminiaturization. That is, regardless of how much computer power can bedelivered in a given rigid package, providing a flexible wearablecomputer allows more of that computer power to be comfortably carried bythe user. For example, even if a Cray super computer can be reduced tothe size of a wrist watch, the intensive computer user will find moreutility in a flexible computer that is an array of the microprocessorsin the wristwatch-sized Cray that is fashioned for instance as acomfortable vest.

This relationship can be mathematically demonstrated with a commonmarket model adapted for computer power demand. Refer now to equation(1)

    Q=c-aP+bs                                                  (1)

where,

Q=total amount of computers demanded in a specified context;

P=the price of computers sold in the marketplace for that context;

S=the service level provided by computers in that context.

The service level of a computer for any specified context is related tothe number of useful operations per second (UOPS). This value is drivenby several factors including the elegance of the program, memory sizeand access time, and raw processing speed. Service level is also relatedto volume. Volume is less critical when a user does not need to carrythe computer. It becomes a major determinant when a user must beambulatory while using a computer.

Service level can be defined as ##EQU1## where, F=min{V_(H), V_(I) };

V_(H) =volume of the hardware; ##EQU2## =power density and is roughlyconstant. That is, the greater the UOPS, the larger the volume of thehardware.

V_(I) =the constrained volume of user interface, that is, the largesthardware volume the user can employ to accomplish a specific computingtask;

person=the number of individuals that must use the hardware.

For the majority of computing applications volume is irrelevant.Equations (1) and (2) mathematically describe this observation. In thesecontexts, the user is unconstrained by the volume of the hardware, andV_(I) is infinity making F equal to V_(H). Volume hence has no influenceon the service level (5) and therefore no influence on the quantity ((2)of computers demanded.

However, for users that desire to or must carry a computer around, thevolume of the hardware becomes critical. Equations (1) and (2)mathematically describe this observation also. There exists for anyrigid form factor a maximum volume (V_(I)) beyond which the user cannotcarry a computer. (F) is then equal to (V_(I)). Hence, increasing thepower density is the only means to increase service level and thereforequantity demanded.

Now it is clear from equation (2) that if V_(I) can be increased, V_(H)can also be increased thus increasing the UOPS obtainable. This can bedone without increasing power density. The flexible wearable computerdirectly increases V_(I) compared to rigid packaging schemes because itallows hardware to be shaped like articles of clothing allowing the morecomfortably placement of larger volumes of hardware on various areas ofthe body. It obviates the need to carry the entire hardware in one orboth hands. It also eliminates the uncomfortable nature of strapping arigid device onto one aspect of the body. It also eliminates the need tomake a variety of sizes such as the rigid curvilinear designs require.

Another advantage of the flexible wearable form factor is that byimplementing a computer as many small rigid elements instead of onelarge rigid element, the bending moment across each element is smallersince the area of each element is decreased. The bending moment iscaused when a rigid element is worn against the body and the body comesinto contact with any firm surface. Distributed or concentrated loadsare applied normal to the surface of the element. An example would bewhen a wearer sat down in a chair. The firm elements of the chair wouldexert forces against the rigid elements.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention are:

(a) To provide a flexible wearable computer that can be shaped into alimitless variety of shapes and sizes.

(b) To provide a flexible wearable computer that can accommodate a widevariety of human morphologies.

(c) To provide a flexible wearable computer that allows comfortablehands-free portability.

(d) To provide a flexible wearable computer that symmetricallydistributes its volume and therefore evenly loads the spine.

(e) To provide a flexible wearable computer that eliminates flexi carpiulnaris tendoniris.

(f) To provide a flexible wearable computer that is comfortable to wearwhile the human body is against a firm surface.

(g) To provide a flexible wearable computer that increases thecompliance of field service users by allowing hands-flee portabilitywithout sacrificing comfort.

(h) To provide a flexible wearable computer whereby the computer can bemore comfortably carried and operated than an integrated computer ofcomparable processing power in a rigid rectilinear or curvilinearpackages.

(i) To provide a flexible wearable computer that data transfer ratesthat are faster than wireless communication systems.

(j) To provide a flexible wearable computer that can more easily andcomfortably be expanded than rigid package designs.

(k) To increase the ruggedness of a wearable computer by decreasing thesize and thus the bending moment across any rigid elements.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention and a fullunderstanding thereof may be had by referring to the following detaileddescription and claims taken together with the accompanyingillustrations. The illustrations are described below in which like partsare given like reference numerals in each of the drawings.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art of a wearable portablecomputer system produced by Reddy Information Systems called Red.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior art of a wearable portablecomputer system by Takemasa of NEC Corporation.

FIG. 3 is a view of a user wearing the preferred embodiment of theflexible wearable computer system which by definition includes aninput/output device.

FIG. 4 is a view of a user wearing the flexible wearable computer systemwith the outer sheath ghosted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the flexiblewearable computer which by definition does not include the input/outputdevice.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flexible wearable computer showingthe surface that contacts the body with the outer sheath partiallyremoved.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flexible wearable computer with theouter sheath completely removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded assembly view of microprocessor module.

FIG. 9 is an orthographic cross sectional view of the microprocessormodule.

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the RAM-I/O module.

FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the mass memorymodule.

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the battery module.

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of the bus termination module.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theflexible wearable computer in the form of a vest.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment in the formof a vest with the outer sheath ghosted.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment in theform of a vest with the outer sheath ghosted.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a vest with a touch sensitiveflexible LCD output device worn wrapped around the forearm.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a belt with a hand-mountedfree-space pointer input device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a belt with a tethered infra-redtransceiver worn on the shoulder.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a belt with a wireless infra-redtransceiver communication link between the belt and a hand held penbased display device.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a vest with a wireless infra-redtransceiver communication link between the best and a heads-up display.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a vest with a projection displaymounted to it.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a headband with a heads-updisplay mounted to it.

FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a belt with a split QWERTYkeyboard input device mounted to it.

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in a form that wraps around the forearm.

FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a vest with a heads-up displaymounted in the breast area.

FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a vest with an ear clip speakerand microphone input/output device tethered to it.

FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective view of the user wearing the flexiblewearable computer system in the form of a garment with motion sensorsintegrated into the garment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing the computer in atotally hands-free operation.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

    ______________________________________                                        A     Reflection Technologies Private Eye wearable display                    B     Reddy Informatrion Systems 1) 05 rigid rectilinear                            personal computer and RAM card reader                                   C     Padded harness                                                          D     NEC Corporation's personal computer and CD-ROM                                reader                                                                  E     NEC Corporation's input device                                          F     NEC Corporation's output device                                         002a  Flexible circuit                                                        002b  Flexible circuit                                                        002c  Flexible circuit                                                        002d  Flexible circuit                                                        002e  Flexible circuit                                                        002f  Flexible circuit                                                        004   Tensile load, strap                                                     005a  Belt latch, male                                                        005b  Belt latch, female                                                      006   Foam sheath                                                             010   Module recess                                                           011a  Eyelet snap                                                             011b  Eyelet snap                                                             046   Seam surface                                                            060   Portable input/output device                                            061   I/O bus                                                                 100   Bus termination module                                                  112   Bus termination resistors                                               114   Bus termination printed circuit board                                   115   Bus termination module solder pins                                      116   Bus termination plated via holes                                        200   Microprocessor module                                                   212   Microprocessor                                                          212a  Microprocessor support components                                       214   Microprocessor printed circuit board                                    215   Microprocessor printed circuit board solder pins                        216   Microprocessor plated via holes                                         217   Microprocessor module top shell                                         218   Microprocessor module bottom shell                                      219   Microprocessor module boss                                              220   Holes for microprocessor module assembly                                222   Microprocessor module retention plate                                   223   Microprocessor module self tapping screw                                300   RAM-I/O module                                                          314   RAM-I/O printed circuit board                                           317   RAM-I/O module top shell                                                322   RAM-I/O module retnetion plate                                          323   RAM-I/O port bezel                                                      324   Random access memory chips                                              325   RAM-I/O Module orifice                                                  326   Output device port                                                      327   Input device port                                                       328   Communications port                                                     347   Input/output processor                                                  347a  Support circuitry components                                            400   Mass memory module                                                      412   Flash memory chip                                                       414   Mass memory circuit board                                               417   Mas memory module top shell                                             500   Battery module                                                          508   Battery bezel                                                           514   Battery module printed circuit board                                    517   Battery module top shell                                                523   Battery module self tapping screw                                       530   Battery cartridge                                                       531   Battery fixture                                                         533   Voltage regulation components                                           ______________________________________                                    

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, with particular attention to FIG. 3. Themethod of using the flexible wearable computer is straight forward. Theuser adjusts the flexible wearable computer to fit comfortably aroundthe waist by varying the connection of male and female belt latches005a, 005b to a flexible tensile load strap 004. An input/output device060 is a pen based liquid crystal display device that has a clipallowing easy attachment to a flexible compressive foam sheath 006 whennot in use. The input/output device is connected to the processor andmass memory by an I/O bus 061.

FIG. 5 demonstrates the detail of the preferred embodiment. The computeris entirely encased in foam sheath 006 injection-molded out ofantimicrobial microcellular polyurethane foam (such as Poron, availablefrom Rogers Corporation), and varies in thickness from 0.140 inchesthick to 0.250 inches thick, and is approximately 15.0 inches long.Flexible compressive foam sheath 006 necks (narrows) down at each endsuch that the opening in foam sheath 006 is the same width as tensileload strap 004. Tensile load strap 004 is a belt strap consists of wovenaramid fibers (otherwise known as Kevlar, available from Dupont), butcould consist of common nylon strapping or thin steel stranded cables.Tensile load strap 004 is approximately 2.0 inches×0.02 inches×47.0inches. A port bezel 323 is adhered to foam sheath 006 with adhesive. Itallows output device port 326, input device port 327, and communicationsport 328 to be exposed through foam sheath 006. A battery bezel 508 isadhered to foam sheath 006. Port bezel 323 and battery bezel 508 are allinjection-molded out of ABS plastic.

FIG. 7 demonstrates the structure beneath foam sheath 006 of thepreferred embodiment. Five different types of modules 100, 200, 300,400, 500 are electrically connected to each other by polyamide (Kapton,available from Dupont) flexible circuits 002a, 002b, 002c, 002d, 002e,002f. Each computer component module 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is affixedto the tensile load strap 004. The two-part belt latch 005a and 005b isconnected to each end of tensile load strap 004.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the flexible wearable computer is demonstratedwith foam sheath 006 partially open revealing a molded-in module recess010 which is approximately 0.125 inches deep. Each module 100, 200, 300,400, 500 is seated in a separate module recess 010. FIG. 6 also revealsthat foam sheath 006 is fastened to tensile load strap 004 by a pair ofeyelet snaps 011a and 011b, located at both narrowed ends of foam sheath006. Seam surface 046 which run the bottom length of foam sheath 006,are fastened to each other with adhesive.

Microprocessor Module

Referring to FIG. 8, the microprocessor module 200 is demonstrated.Microprocessor 212 and microprocessor support components 212a are ofsurface mount size, and are soldered to a microprocessor printed circuitboard 214. The dimensions of microprocessor printed circuit board 214are approximately 2.25 inches×1.55 inches×0.06 inches. At each of thelong edges of microprocessor printed circuit board 214 are an array ofmicroprocessor printed circuit board solder pins 215 which register witha corresponding array of plated via holes 216 on flexible circuit 002b.Solder pins 215 are soldered into plated via holes 16. Flexible circuit002b and microprocessor printed circuit board 214 are sandwiched betweena microprocessor module top shell 217 and microprocessor module bottomshell 218. Flexible circuit 002b is approximately 2.65 inches long×2.00inches wide×0.006 inches thick. Microprocessor module bosses 219 extendfrom the microprocessor module top shell 217 through holes 220 inflexible circuit 002b and microprocessor printed-circuit board 214. Themechanical registration and therefore electrical connection of platedvia holes 216 with solder pins 215 is held true by bosses 219.

Microprocessor module top shell 217 and bottom shell 218 are shown incross-section in FIG. 9 as having approximately a 0.10 inch radius edgedetail curving away from flexible circuit 002b. This feature provides alimit on the radius of curvature experienced by flexible circuit 002b.Tensile load strap 004 is fastened against microprocessor module bottomshell 218 by microprocessor module retention plate 222 and self-tappingscrews 223. Self tapping screws 223 fasten the entire assembly togetherby screwing into bosses 219 on microprocessor module top shell 217.

RAM-I/O and Mass Memory Modules

FIG. 10 demonstrates RAM-I/O module 300. It has the same basicconstruction as microprocessor module 200 except for two differences.First, instead of a microprocessor, random access memory chip 324 andinput/output processor 347 and support circuitry components 347a, aresoldered onto RAM-I/O circuit board 314. Second, output device port 326,input device port 327, and communications port 328 are electricallyconnected to RAM-I/O printed-circuit board 314, and extend throughRAM-I/O module orifice 325 in RAM-I/O module top shell 317. Flexiblecircuit 002c is registered and fastened against RAM-I/O printed-circuitboard 314 the same way as with the previously described microprocessormodule 200. RAM-I/O module 300 is also connected to tensile load strap004 in the same way as in previously described microprocessor module200.

FIG. 11 demonstrates mass memory module 400. Multiple mass memorymodules are shown in the preferred embodiment and are identical exceptfor their software addresses, and have the same basic construction asmicroprocessor module 200 except for two differences. First, instead ofa microprocessor, flash memory chip 412 (of which there are four) aresoldered to printed-circuit board 414. Flexible circuits 002d, 002e areregistered and fastened against printed-circuit board 414 the same wasas in previously described modules 200. Mass memory modules 400 are alsoconnected to tensile load strap 004 in the same way as in previouslydescribed module 200.

Battery and Bus Termination Modules

FIG. 12 demonstrates a battery module 500 containing a battery cartridge530 held by a battery fixture 531, and a battery module top shell 517.Battery fixture 531 is fastened onto a printed-circuit board 514 with ascrew 523. Voltage regulation components 533 are of surface mount size,and are soldered to printed-circuit board 514. Flexible circuit 002f isregistered and fastened against printed-circuit board 514 the same wasas in previously described module 200. Module top shell 517 and modulebottom shell 518 are fastened the same way as in previously describedmodule 200. Battery module 500 is also connected to tensile load strap004 in the same way as in previously described module 200.

A bus termination module 100 is shown in FIG. 13. Bus terminationresistors 112 are of surface mount size and soldered to a bustermination circuit board 114. Bus termination circuit board 114measures approximately 2.00 inches×0.30 inches×0.06 inches. Bustermination circuit board 114 has an array of bus termination modulesolder pins along one long edge which register with bus terminationplated via holes 116 on flexible circuit 002f. Flexible circuits 002aand 002f measure approximately I.S inches long×2.00 inches wide×0.006inches. Bus termination module is connected to tensile load strap 004 inthe same way as in previously described module 200.

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the flexible computer has theadvantage of increasing the service level of portable computer hardwarewhile also increasing the comfort of using the hardware. In addition,the flexible wearable computer has the advantages of:

accommodating a wide variety of human morphologies;

allowing hands-free carrying and operation;

allowing the user to comfortably sit or lie while wearing the device;

allowing the weight of the computer to be symmetrically distributed onthe body;

eliminating the muscle and tendon strain associated with carrying rigidrectilinear computers;

increasing the compliance of field service personnel that must use acomputer;

allowing significantly larger amounts of secondary flash memory to becomfortably carried by the user;

allowing expansion more easily and comfortably than rigid designs; and

increasing the ruggedness of a mobile wearable computer by decreasingthe area of the rigid elements, thereby decreasing the bending momentacross each element.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but merelyproviding illustration of some of the presently preferred embodiments ofthis invention. The flexible wearable computer could be implemented inmany different ways. For example, each module could be potted with asolid thermoset plastic rather than have a two part shell. The flexibletensile load bearing means could consist of individually twisted aramidfibers encased in the potting compound. The flexible tensile loadbearing means could be fibers woven into cloth or even a homogeneousthin layer of material. The flexible signal relaying means could beglued or otherwise permanently attached to the tensile load bearingmeans.

Components and support circuitry need not be surface mount size andsoldered. The components may be affixed to the circuit board withconductive epoxy. The computer may be made even thinner and moreflexible by implementing it using chip-on-board manufacturingtechnology. Each integrated circuit would be bonded directly to a smallprinted circuit board and the terminals would be electrically connectedto the board. Each IC would be covered with an epoxy dab. Each discretecircuit board module could be as small as a 0.5 square inch.

The computer could be implemented as one long multilayer polyamideflexible, or rigid-flex, circuit board. As an entirely flexible board,the module shells would rigidify the areas populated with electroniccomponents. As a rigid-flex design, the sections with electroniccomponents would be laminated with rigid fiberglass board stiffeners.

The flexible signal relaying means could be discrete wires or discretenon metallic filament. It could be produced with ink traces or any typeof non-metallic, flexible conductive material. The computer could beimplemented as a fiber optic device. The flexible circuit could beoptical fiber filaments instead of metallic or non-metallic conductors.Also, the flexible signal relaying means could be an easily detachableand re-attachable bus that is disposable.

Furthermore, the configuration of the flexible wearable computer neednot be in a belt. The module and bus assembly can be fashioned in avariety of ways. FIG. 14 demonstrates an alternative embodiment of theflexible wearable computer in the shape of a vest for increasing thenumber of elements for computing. FIG. 15 shows the foam sheath of thevest removed revealing an increased number of modules. FIG. 16demonstrates the bus arrangement to accommodate the increased number ofmodules thereby greatly expand the memory and processing capacity of theflexible wearable computer.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the computer is shown there in the form of avest. The output device is a touch sensitive flexible LCD 534 worn onthe forearm. The wearer controls the computer by touching virtualgraphical elements on the LCD with the right hand. There is an infra-redwireless data link between the computer and the LCD via infra-redtransceivers 535 and 536.

FIG. 18 demonstrates a configuration with the computer in the form of abelt, a free-space pointer input device 537 and a Private Eye heads-updisplay 538 as the output device. A free-space pointer, such as aGyroPoint, translates relative three-dimensional motion of the hand intodigital pulses which are monitored by the computer. Software driverstranslate the digital pulses into corresponding movements of the cursorin the virtual screen generated by the heads-up display. Both thefree-space pointer 537 and the heads-up display 538 are functionallyconnected to the computer via tethers 539 and 540.

FIG. 19 shows a method of wirelessly connecting the computer, in theform of a belt, to a Local Area Network (LAN). An infra-red transceiver541, such as Photonics Infra-red Transceiver, is functionally connectedto the computer via a tether 542. The transceiver communicates viainfra-red pulses with a plurality of infra-red repeaters 543 mountedoverhead in the environment. Wireless communication could also be ofradio-frequency type in which case the computer receiver would beincluded as a disintegrated module as shown in FIG. 15.

In FIG. 20, the configuration is the same as FIG. 3, but instead of ahardwired connection, both the computer and pen-based display device 60have wireless infra-red pulse transceivers 544 and 545. The pen-baseddisplay 60 sends pen location data to the computer and the computersends corresponding graphical information to the pen-based device 60.

FIG. 21 demonstrates a wireless infra-red communication link between aPrivate Eye heads-up display 538 and the computer. An infra-red receiver546 is located on the heads-up display. An infra-red transceiver 547 islocated in the shoulder area of the computer.

In FIG. 22, an LCD projection display 548 is mounted on the frontabdominal area of the computer, which is in the form of a vest. Thisdevice works by projecting a strong light through an LCD that iscontrolled by a computer, and then through a focusing lens. The LCDprojection display 548 projects a computer generated image of anyreflective, flat surface, such as a reflection pad 548' hanging from theuser's waist, or the user's palm. To view the computer's output, theuser would hold up the reflection pad 548' or the palm in the path ofthe image that is being projected. The image is reflected and thusreadable to the user.

FIG. 23 shows the wearable computer system in the form of a headband 549with an attached heads-up display 538.

FIG. 24 shows the computer in the form of a belt with a split QWERTYkeyboard 550 attached to the computer so that it hangs downward in frontof the user and can be easily reached. The user types in commands justas he would at a desk top keyboard.

FIG. 25 shows the computer 551 implemented as a flexible form that wrapsaround the forearm. The user interface consists of a keypad 551' andspeech recognition and speech synthesis capability. A microphone 552 andspeaker 553 are included in the computer.

FIG. 26 shows the computer in the form of a vest with a Private Eyeheads-up display 554 mounted on the left breast. To access the graphicaloutput of the computer, the user looks down and to the left into theheads-up display 554.

FIG. 27 shows the computer in the form of a vest with an ear clipmicrophone/speaker device 555. The method of controlling the computer isspeech recognition. The output from the computer to the wearer is speechsynthesis. This configuration allows only the wearer to hear the outputfrom the computer, and to-speak at low volumes when inputing commands.

FIG. 28 shows the computer in the form of a garment with motion sensors556a, b, c, d, e and f. The computer continually polls these sensors.The data from these sensors is used by the computer as input to drivesoftware that would interpret the data from the sensors as certaingestures. These gestures can be used to control the computer. Forexample, the user may be able to switch the computer into a mode whereit is listening for the wearer's voice input simply by making a circularmotion with the left arm. A circular motion in the opposite directionwould switch off the listen mode.

FIG. 29 illustrates the invention in a totally hands-free operation. Thecomputer is in vest form and incorporates a speech recognition and/orspeech synthesis interface including a microphone 557 and a speaker 558.In this configuration, the need for rigid interface hardware such askeyboards or liquid crystal displays is obviated.

Many of the various interface peripherals can be used in combinationwith each other. For example, the arm mounted flexible LCD shown in FIG.17 could be used as the output device and voice recognition could beused as the input device. Or, referring to FIG. 25, the flexiblewearable computer worn on the forearm could be controlled with voicerecognition.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their-legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

I claim:
 1. A flexible wearable computer comprising:elements forcomputing including a plurality of mechanically separated butfunctionally intact components of a computing device; at least oneflexible signal relaying portion operably connecting said elements forcomputing, the flexible signal relaying portion having sufficient flexto allow the elements for computing to be moved with respect to eachother to accommodate a body morphology of a wearer of the flexiblewearable computer, the flexible signal relaying portion comprising aplurality of signal-conducting elements extending between each of saidelements for computing; and a flexible wearable member for supportingsaid elements for computing and said flexible signal relaying portion,the flexible wearable member being wearable on the body of the wearer ofthe flexible wearable computer.
 2. The flexible wearable computer ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible signal relaying portion includes structurecoupled with the plurality of signal-conducting elements to maintain theplurality of signal-conducting elements in substantially fixedrelationship to each other between said elements for computing.
 3. Theflexible wearable computer of claim 1, wherein at least one of theelements for computing includes a microprocessor and at least one otherof the elements for computing includes computer memory.
 4. The flexiblewearable computer of claim 3, wherein the computer memory includesrandom access memory.
 5. The flexible wearable computer of claim 3,wherein the computer memory includes a flash memory chip.
 6. Theflexible wearable computer of claim 1, wherein at least one of theelements for computing is constructed to perform input operations and atleast one other of the elements for computing is constructed to performoutput operations.
 7. The flexible wearable computer of claim 1, furthercomprising an input device operably coupled to said elements forcomputing.
 8. The flexible wearable computer of claim 7, wherein theinput device comprises a touch-sensitive surface for generating inputsignals.
 9. The flexible wearable computer of claim 7, wherein the inputdevice is remote from the flexible wearable member of the flexiblewearable computer.
 10. The flexible wearable computer of claim 1,further comprising an output device operably coupled to the elements forcomputing.
 11. The flexible wearable computer of claim 10, wherein theoutput device is remote from the flexible wearable member of theflexible wearable computer.
 12. The flexible wearable computer of claim10, wherein the output device comprises a display device.
 13. Theflexible wearable computer of claim 12, wherein the display devicecomprises a liquid crystal display device.
 14. The flexible wearablecomputer of claim 12, wherein the display device comprises ahead-mounted display device.
 15. The flexible wearable computer of claim12, further comprising structure for mounting the display device on thebody of the wearer remote from the flexible wearable member.
 16. Theflexible wearable member of claim 12, wherein the display deviceincludes a reflection device for displaying a computer-generated imageto the wearer.
 17. The flexible wearable computer of claim 1, whereinthe flexible wearable member is constructed to assist in covering saidelements for computing.
 18. The flexible wearable computer of claim 17,wherein the flexible wearable member supports a protective covering forthe elements for computing.
 19. The flexible wearable computer of claim1, wherein the elements for computing, the flexible signal relayingportion and flexible wearable member are configured to providehands-free operation of the flexible wearable computer.
 20. The flexiblewearable computer of claim 1, wherein the elements for computing and theflexible wearable member are configured to substantially evenlydistribute the weight of the flexible wearable computer about the bodyof the wearer.
 21. The flexible wearable computer of claim 1, whereinthe flexible signal relaying portion includes fiber optic material. 22.The flexible wearable computer of claim 1, wherein the flexible wearablemember comprises cloth material.
 23. The flexible wearable computer ofclaim 1, further including a device for wirelessly connecting theflexible wearable computer to an area network.
 24. A wearable computercomprising:elements for computing comprising a plurality of mechanicallyseparated but functionally intact components of a computing device, theelements for computing being operably connected to permit relaying ofsignals between the elements for computing, the elements for computingbeing movable with respect to each other to accommodate a bodymorphology of a wearer of the flexible wearable computer; at least onesignal relaying portion for relaying signals between the elements forcomputing; and structure supporting the elements for computing insubstantially symmetric weight-distribution about the body of thewearer.
 25. The wearable computer of claim 24, wherein the signalrelaying portion includes structure that physically connects theelements for computing one to another.
 26. The wearable computer ofclaim 25, wherein the signal relaying portion includes a plurality ofsignal-conducting elements.
 27. The wearable computer of claim 26,wherein the signal relaying portion includes structure coupled with theplurality of signal-conducting elements to maintain the plurality ofsignal-conducting elements in substantially fixed relationship to eachother between said elements for computing.
 28. The wearable computer ofclaim 24, further comprising speech recognition and speech synthesisinterfaces operably connected to the elements for computing to generatespeech input and output signals.
 29. The wearable computer of claim 24,wherein at least one of the elements for computing includes amicroprocessor, and at least one other of the elements for computingincludes computer memory.
 30. A method of computing,comprising:mechanically separated functionally intact elements forcomputing of a computing device; flexibly connecting said elements forcomputing with at least one flexible signal relaying portion; supportingthe elements for computing and the flexible signal relaying portionabout the body of a wearer with a flexible wearable member; flexing theflexible signal relaying portion to move the elements for computing withrespect to each other to accommodate a body morphology of the wearer;and relaying signals between the elements for computing with a pluralityof signal-conducting elements extending between the elements forcomputing, the signal-conducting elements being included in the flexiblesignal relaying portion.
 31. A flexible computer comprising, incombination,elements for computing comprising a plurality ofmechanically separated but functionally intact components of anotherwise integrated computer; a flexible signal relaying portionoperably coupling said elements for computing; a flexible wearablemember, the elements for computing and the flexible signal relayingportion being supported by the flexible wearable member; a protectivecovering supported by the flexible wearable member for enclosing saidelements for computing and said flexible signal relaying portion. 32.The flexible computer of claim 31, wherein the protective covering is aseparate piece from the flexible wearable member.
 33. The flexiblecomputer of claim 31, wherein the protective covering is wrapped aroundthe flexible wearable member.
 34. A portable computer comprising, incombination,elements for computing comprising an input device forinputting data, an output device for outputting data, and a plurality ofcomputing components; a flexible human-wearable member, the elements forcomputing being supported by the flexible human-wearable member; and aflexible signal relaying portion operably connecting the elements forcomputing, the flexible signal relaying portion and the elements forcomputing being covered by a covering portion.